Imagine leaving everything behind for a new life in France, with your furry best friends by your side! Chiara Adorno’s journey from the Bay Area began with dreams of European charm and inspiration. But an unexpected heartbreak tested her resolve shortly after arrival. How do you find joy and new purpose after such a difficult start in a foreign land?
In a bold move reflecting a growing trend of the “Bay Area Exodus,” Chiara Adorno embarked on a life-altering journey, exchanging her familiar surroundings for the picturesque landscapes of southern France. Her decision, driven by a profound need for renewed inspiration and fresh goals, marked a significant departure from her previous life in Connecticut and later, the US.
Adorno’s aspiration for an “International Relocation” had been a long-cherished dream. Despite only a brief visit to Paris years prior, her familiarity with French from high school and college, coupled with an admiration for the country’s architecture and its pivotal location for exploring Europe, solidified her resolve. The acquisition of a France long-stay visa, permitting extended residency, provided the crucial pathway for her ambitious plan.
The transatlantic passage in October 2024 saw the then 66-year-old Adorno not alone, but accompanied by her two beloved cats, Willy and Puccini. This shared “France Travel” experience, commencing from San Francisco and culminating in Montpellier, underscored the deep bond she held with her feline companions as she sought a new beginning.
However, the initial joy of settling into her new “Expat Life” was tragically overshadowed by an unforeseen event. Shortly after their arrival, Adorno faced the heartbreaking reality of “Pet Loss” as Willy, who suffered from asthma, succumbed to a severe attack. This profound personal tragedy cast a somber shadow over her initial months, forcing her to confront immense grief in a foreign land.
Adapting to her new environment, Adorno developed a unique strategy for accommodation, opting for two-month Airbnb rentals. This approach not only allowed her to deeply experience various locales but also ensured she could find “rudimentary-type places” that welcomed pets, a crucial consideration for her surviving cat, Puccini.
Her observations of the local populace quickly challenged preconceived notions of the “European Lifestyle.” Adorno discovered that the French, contrary to popular belief, were neither aloof nor overly romantic, but rather engaging and eager to converse, fostering unexpected connections despite initial communication barriers.
Despite her academic background in French, Adorno candidly admits her spoken French was “terrible” upon arrival, necessitating reliance on Google Translate for daily interactions. Yet, her determination to integrate fully remains steadfast, with a clear commitment to “buckle down” and achieve fluency in the near future.
The complexities of the French administrative system presented another significant hurdle for Adorno. Navigating the notorious bureaucracy became a weekly endeavor, marked by continuous challenges and the need for persistent engagement to accomplish even the most basic tasks, a common experience for those undergoing international relocation.
